Page 43 of Deadly Rival

I give Ophelia my most patronizing smile. “Morning, sweetheart. Glad to see you slept well.”

I’m braced for a smart remark, or at least a “fuck you,” but her gaze is locked on Gabriel. “Why is he here?”

It takes me a second to understand the direction of her thoughts, and for some reason, I rush to reassure her. “He’s just here to babysit. Don’t worry, pet. I love to show you off, but I don’t share.”

I use my thumbprint to open the locked drawer next to my bed and hand Gabriel the key to the shackles. “You can unlock her with this. She’s only allowed the clothing in this drawer—” I gesture with a flourish. “—and don’t let her spend the day in the blanket. It stays here.”

Gabriel nods. “Got it. Any other rules?”

I shake my head. “If she gives you any trouble, lock her back up and leave her in here all day.”

“Will do. You’d better get going.”

Yes. I’d better. I give Ophelia one last look. “Be good.”

Then I head out to face the music.

Eighteen

Ophelia

Sebastian leaves, and it’sjust me and the goth guy. He said his name yesterday, but I can’t remember it. I grip the blanket tighter than I’ve ever gripped anything. I never thought I’d be sad to see Sebastian go, but this guy could be worse. Sebastian doesn’t share, but does this man give a shit about that?

He takes a seat on the edge of the bed. “Don’t be scared. I’m not going to hurt you or take that blanket away. Promise. I’m Gabriel.”

“Ophelia.” I pause, then add, “Calder.”

“I know who you are.” There’s a long pause, and he seems to be debating with himself, but at least he’s not coming near me. My heart rate starts to slow, but his next words fling it up into the stratosphere.

“I don’t know how much you know about your family business, but a few months ago, a Calder spy abducted Eve. My Ward. He planned to steal my research, kill me, and sell her into slavery. Human trafficking.” He studies my face. “Did you know about that?”

What? Stealing research and tech? Sure. But my family aren’t in the skin trade. My dad has his faults—a lot of them—but hewouldn’t allow that. Harrison? Maybe. But he’s not in charge. Not yet.

“No. That can’t be right.”

Gabriel’s eyes narrow, and his gaze is a laser, staring into my soul. “You really think that?”

I lift my chin. “Yes.”

His face relaxes, just a little, but his gaze never wavers. “I’ll leave the rest of that discussion to Sebastian. But pay close attention to me now. Out there”—he jerks his head toward the bedroom door—“are two women. Eve and Quinn. They’re very excited to meet you, and they’ll help you get settled in.”

He glances to the window, then back again. “I know you’ll be desperate to escape. You might even be tempted to threaten or hurt one of the girls to get your way. You might not understand everything your family does, but you’re still a Calder.”

There’s no real threat in his voice, but my skin prickles anyway as he continues. “I love Eve more than anything else on this planet. Jacob feels the same way about Quinn—and when you meet Jacob, you’ll understand why pissing him off is a really, really bad idea. If it crosses your mind to raise a finger to either of those girls, squash that thought. Do you understand me?”

There’s only one answer, and it’s out of my mouth before I even consider it. “Yes. Of course.”

Do I mean it, though? Sebastian said all the women here are captives. Could I hurt one of them if it meant getting out of here? My dad would in a heartbeat. And does this guy seriously expect me to believe he’s in love with his slave?

The longer I spend in this place, the less sense it makes.

Gabriel watches me for another long moment, then nods. “Okay. Give me your leg, and I’ll unlock the shackle.”

I do, trying not to flash any more skin than I absolutely have to. Gabriel works the key in the lock, and the shackle falls to thewooden floor with a clunk. He holds up the key, then pockets it. “One wrong move, and you’re in here till Seb gets back.”

Great. Another man, telling me what to do. He gets to his feet. “I’ll send the girls in.”

What? Now? I almost tell him I need to dress first but then remember the clothes I’m allowed. If I’m going to meet new people, the blanket is preferable. “I need five minutes.”

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